Experience The Real Vietnam
Briefing Activities:
Day 1: Angkor Complex ( Cycling 30KM)
Day 2: Tonle Sap Lake ( Cycling 40KM)
Day 3: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh Speed Boat
Day 4: Phnom Penh City by Bike( 30KM)
Day 5: Phnom Penh – Chau Doc(35KM)
Day 6: Chau Doc – Long Xuyen (80KM)
Day 7:Long Xuyen – Vinh Long (90KM)
Day 8: Vinh Long – Saigon ( 60KM)
Day 09: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels.
Day 10: Departure
Countryside Adventures offer 10 days of outdoor activities holiday starting from Angkok to Ho Chi Minh city for those who do not have much time but want to combine two countries of Cambodia and Vietnam.
The highlight of the trip is riding to explore the hidden Angkor Complex, then riding down to the south of Cambodia to Takeo, this town is the less visited which has much history homed to the First Capital of Khmer Empire known as Funan. Then home to the Khmer Rouge General Commander known as Ta Mok.
Exploring the Mekong Delta, and all the way to. The starting point can be Ho Chi Minh City to suit some who wish to travel to Vietnam. We can help to arrange pre and post-tour accommodations at competitive prices.
The highlight of the trip is riding to explore the hidden Angkor Complex.
Cycling to experience the real Countryside in both Cambodia and Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Kayaking on the Mighty Mekong River would be also a great experience for your adventures.
Day 1: Siem Reap-Angkor Complex cycling
Morning, Countryside Adventures Guide will meet you up at your hotel for briefing activities, bike testing:
Depart from the hotel on the main quiet road and cycling through the Angkor pass checkpoint. Cycling through the shady road with a little pumping because of the few pot-holes. There you will begin to see Kravan temple, Banteay Kdei, and stop at the famous Ta Phrom, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Visit Ta Phrom (45 minutes-1 hour). It was built in the 12th century by the famous King Jayavarman VII indicated to his mother. While clearing back the forest archaeologists decided to leave the vegetation of Ta Phrom in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discoverers found it and the other Angkor temples. Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains and soar high above the temples. Continue the cycling through a small circuit passing Ta Keo temple, Chao Say Tevoda, Tommanon before reaching Angkor Thom city. There you will see, Terrace of Leper King, Terrace of Elephant, Baphoun, Phimean Akas. Stop at Bayon temple and start the visit (45 minutes-1 hour). Angkor Thom built by Cambodia’s great king, Jayavarman VII. An eight-meter high wall encloses this ten square kilometer city, which is encircled by a moat. The famous Bayon, in the geographical heart of Angkor Thom, is a remarkable 54 tower temple. Initially, the temple appears to be a shapeless mass of grey and brownstone, but it is only as you get closer that you realize every tower has the carved face of Avalokiteshvara on it.
After the visit, cycle to Angkor Wat to finish the small circuit. Stop at South Gate of Angkor Thom for taking photos. Access via a causeway over the moat that is flanked by statues of Gods on the left and devils on the right. Then visit the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat. It is visually, architecturally, and artistically breathtaking. Angkor Wat is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of a massive ‘temple mountain’ dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Cycling distance: 30 KM.
Day 2: Tonle Sap Lake – Kampong Phluk cycling
Depart from the hotel, crossing the bridge at Old Market to cycle 15km toward Rolous Group. The first 2km, is on the tarmac road toward the bus station. Then, passing the rice field and the village. cycling to Tonle Sap Lake passing a small road along the river through villages, pagodas, and schools. This road is good for cycling to avoid busy traffic. After cycling 8km, turn right across the bridge to the main road as there is no further access on the small road. Continue cycling toward the lake about 3km (July-December) where the boat stop. (Note: January-June, the water is low and the boat will stop further 3km). Board on the boat to visit the village on water, school, fishing farm. After 1-hour boat drive. Return the Siem Reap on the main road to avoid cycling the same road. Afternoon, free at leisure to relax. Dinner and overnight in Siem Reap.
Cycling distance: 50KM
Day 3: Siem Reap-Phnom Penh by Speed Boat
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to board speedboat to Phnom Penh (best from July to February). This boat trip takes 6 hours; the boat has a life jacket and toilet. It is one of the best boat trips to cross Tonle Sap lake, one of the biggest freshwater lakes in South-East Asia. When the boat leaves the dock, immediately you will be able to view the picturesque floating village. This community comprises of Cambodian, Vietnamese and Muslim minorities. The market, gas station, and school are also floating. They move up and down depends on the season. In the rainy season, Tonle Sap lake reaches 10,000 square Km, but in the dry season, it’s got only 5,000 square Km. Arrive in Phnom Penh port, afternoon visit Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Phnom Penh City Tour by Bike.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today be guided through this bustling city to explore the main sights by bike, including Wat Phnom and Cheung Ek killing field. Phnom Penh has got more than 1 million population and the traffic has become very busy now. There is another option to visit the city by van. In the afternoon, visit the Independence Monument, Tuol Sleng Museum, and the Russian Market. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)
Cycling distance:30KM
Day 5: Phnom Penh – Chau Doc.
Morning breakfast at the hotel, then we have around 03 hours transfer to Vietnam border. After a process of Cambodian immigration we ‘check out’ of Cambodia. 1km further on we pass through the border point to the Vietnamese side at Vinh Xuong. Goodbye to Cambodian Team and greeting by the Vietnamese Team.
The remaining 35km is on surfaced roads through scenic villages and countryside, including two ferry crossings. If we should arrive late and the ferries have stopped operating we will load ourselves and our bikes onto the support vehicles and be driven to Chau Doc where we will check into the comfortable Hotel for a well-earned night’s rest.
Dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight in Chau Doc.
Cycling distance: 35KM
Day 6: Chau Doc ~ Long Xuyen.
Departing Chau Doc we take a ferry back across the Hau River and then cycle along dirt roads and paths from island to island between the main branches of the Mekong Delta. There are several small boat crossings to make which really give us a feel for the watery world of the Mekong, and much of the trail is on paths only wide enough for 2-wheeled vehicles. We will pass through varied farmland and orchards, pass numerous fish ponds, and encounter many small rural villages.
The people in this area are extremely friendly with children calling out to you from everywhere as you pass. For a short stretch, we will join the main Route 1 highway before returning to the fun narrow trails for the ride into Long Xuyen. An excellent day! Dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight at Long Xuyen Hotel.
Cycling distance: 80KM
Day 7: Long Xuyen ~ Vinh Long – Local homestay.
Another challenging day so an early start needed. Again we cycle along with a mix of country trails and paths, and minor tarmac surfaced roads through farms and villages. Some paths are actually concrete surfaced but only a meter wide so the riding is easy and very scenic. We have several ferry crossings again today,
We cross numerous small bridges over canals and have plenty of interaction with the local people. As the route we take is often narrow the main support vehicle is not always able to follow us, we arrive at Vinh Long in the afternoon. Taking a local ferry crossing the Mekong River to an island where we will take a short ride to a local homestay.
A mini cooking class is good for those who want to learn some local food. Enjoy what you‘ve made. Overnight at a local place.
Cycling distance: 90KM
Day 8: Homestays ~ Saigon
Wake up in the early morning to paddle to experience the real activities of the locals by visiting a village market.
Keep kayaking along the river bank to the Mighty Mekong River.
Back to a local place for breakfast. We then check out and continue our kayaking trip to see the Floating market.
Disembark the kayak and continue to explore the Mekong countryside by bike. We cycle through villages with fruit gardens. Again, we take some local ferries crossing rivers/canals. A final stop is at a local restaurant for our Lunch… CONGRATULATIONS! You have successfully completed a Cycle Challenge, Vietnam –Cambodia Bike trip.
We board the vehicles for transfer to Ho Chi Minh City.
We check into our city center hotel after which the remainder of the afternoon is free to revel in your achievement and explore this vibrant metropolis, Vietnam’s largest city. We will meet up in the evening to enjoy our farewell/celebratory dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
Cycling distance: 60KM
Day 9: Saigon Cu Chi Tunnels.
Today are free to explore the city on your own or take an optional guided tour to visit Cu Chi tunnels and some high light of the city.
Sights to see include the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office, the War Remnants Museum, the History Museum, the Jade Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market, Chinatown, Thien Hau Pagoda, and Binh Tay Market.
Day 10: Saigon – Homeward.
Today is free until you have to travel to the airport for your homeward flight or onward journey.
Countryside Adventures
Day 1: Siem Reap-Angkor Complex cycling
Morning, Countryside Adventures Guide will meet you up at your hotel for briefing activities, bike testing:
Depart from the hotel on the main quiet road and cycling through the Angkor pass checkpoint. Cycling through the shady road with a little pumping because of the few pot-holes. There you will begin to see Kravan temple, Banteay Kdei, and stop at the famous Ta Phrom, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Visit Ta Phrom (45 minutes-1 hour). It was built in the 12th century by the famous King Jayavarman VII indicated to his mother. While clearing back the forest archaeologists decided to leave the vegetation of Ta Phrom in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discoverers found it and the other Angkor temples. Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains and soar high above the temples. Continue the cycling through a small circuit passing Ta Keo temple, Chao Say Tevoda, Tommanon before reaching Angkor Thom city. There you will see, Terrace of Leper King, Terrace of Elephant, Baphoun, Phimean Akas. Stop at Bayon temple and start the visit (45 minutes-1 hour). Angkor Thom built by Cambodia’s great king, Jayavarman VII. An eight-meter high wall encloses this ten square kilometer city, which is encircled by a moat. The famous Bayon, in the geographical heart of Angkor Thom, is a remarkable 54 tower temple. Initially, the temple appears to be a shapeless mass of grey and brownstone, but it is only as you get closer that you realize every tower has the carved face of Avalokiteshvara on it.
After the visit, cycle to Angkor Wat to finish the small circuit. Stop at South Gate of Angkor Thom for taking photos. Access via a causeway over the moat that is flanked by statues of Gods on the left and devils on the right. Then visit the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat. It is visually, architecturally, and artistically breathtaking. Angkor Wat is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of a massive ‘temple mountain’ dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Cycling distance: 30 KM.
Day 2: Tonle Sap Lake – Kampong Phluk cycling
Depart from the hotel, crossing the bridge at Old Market to cycle 15km toward Rolous Group. The first 2km, is on the tarmac road toward the bus station. Then, passing the rice field and the village. cycling to Tonle Sap Lake passing a small road along the river through villages, pagodas, and schools. This road is good for cycling to avoid busy traffic. After cycling 8km, turn right across the bridge to the main road as there is no further access on the small road. Continue cycling toward the lake about 3km (July-December) where the boat stop. (Note: January-June, the water is low and the boat will stop further 3km). Board on the boat to visit the village on water, school, fishing farm. After 1-hour boat drive. Return the Siem Reap on the main road to avoid cycling the same road. Afternoon, free at leisure to relax. Dinner and overnight in Siem Reap.
Cycling distance: 50KM
Day 3: Siem Reap-Phnom Penh by Speed Boat
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to board speedboat to Phnom Penh (best from July to February). This boat trip takes 6 hours; the boat has a life jacket and toilet. It is one of the best boat trips to cross Tonle Sap lake, one of the biggest freshwater lakes in South-East Asia. When the boat leaves the dock, immediately you will be able to view the picturesque floating village. This community comprises of Cambodian, Vietnamese and Muslim minorities. The market, gas station, and school are also floating. They move up and down depends on the season. In the rainy season, Tonle Sap lake reaches 10,000 square Km, but in the dry season, it’s got only 5,000 square Km. Arrive in Phnom Penh port, afternoon visit Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Phnom Penh City Tour by Bike.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today be guided through this bustling city to explore the main sights by bike, including Wat Phnom and Cheung Ek killing field. Phnom Penh has got more than 1 million population and the traffic has become very busy now. There is another option to visit the city by van. In the afternoon, visit the Independence Monument, Tuol Sleng Museum, and the Russian Market. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)
Cycling distance:30KM
Day 5: Phnom Penh – Chau Doc.
Morning breakfast at the hotel, then we have around 03 hours transfer to Vietnam border. After a process of Cambodian immigration we ‘check out’ of Cambodia. 1km further on we pass through the border point to the Vietnamese side at Vinh Xuong. Goodbye to Cambodian Team and greeting by the Vietnamese Team.
The remaining 35km is on surfaced roads through scenic villages and countryside, including two ferry crossings. If we should arrive late and the ferries have stopped operating we will load ourselves and our bikes onto the support vehicles and be driven to Chau Doc where we will check into the comfortable Hotel for a well-earned night’s rest.
Dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight in Chau Doc.
Cycling distance: 35KM
Day 6: Chau Doc ~ Long Xuyen.
Departing Chau Doc we take a ferry back across the Hau River and then cycle along dirt roads and paths from island to island between the main branches of the Mekong Delta. There are several small boat crossings to make which really give us a feel for the watery world of the Mekong, and much of the trail is on paths only wide enough for 2-wheeled vehicles. We will pass through varied farmland and orchards, pass numerous fish ponds, and encounter many small rural villages.
The people in this area are extremely friendly with children calling out to you from everywhere as you pass. For a short stretch, we will join the main Route 1 highway before returning to the fun narrow trails for the ride into Long Xuyen. An excellent day! Dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight at Long Xuyen Hotel.
Cycling distance: 80KM
Day 7: Long Xuyen ~ Vinh Long – Local homestay.
Another challenging day so an early start needed. Again we cycle along with a mix of country trails and paths, and minor tarmac surfaced roads through farms and villages. Some paths are actually concrete surfaced but only a meter wide so the riding is easy and very scenic. We have several ferry crossings again today,
We cross numerous small bridges over canals and have plenty of interaction with the local people. As the route we take is often narrow the main support vehicle is not always able to follow us, we arrive at Vinh Long in the afternoon. Taking a local ferry crossing the Mekong River to an island where we will take a short ride to a local homestay.
A mini cooking class is good for those who want to learn some local food. Enjoy what you‘ve made. Overnight at a local place.
Cycling distance: 90KM
Day 8: Homestays ~ Saigon
Wake up in the early morning to paddle to experience the real activities of the locals by visiting a village market.
Keep kayaking along the river bank to the Mighty Mekong River.
Back to a local place for breakfast. We then check out and continue our kayaking trip to see the Floating market.
Disembark the kayak and continue to explore the Mekong countryside by bike. We cycle through villages with fruit gardens. Again, we take some local ferries crossing rivers/canals. A final stop is at a local restaurant for our Lunch… CONGRATULATIONS! You have successfully completed a Cycle Challenge, Vietnam –Cambodia Bike trip.
We board the vehicles for transfer to Ho Chi Minh City.
We check into our city center hotel after which the remainder of the afternoon is free to revel in your achievement and explore this vibrant metropolis, Vietnam’s largest city. We will meet up in the evening to enjoy our farewell/celebratory dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
Cycling distance: 60KM
Day 9: Saigon Cu Chi Tunnels.
Today are free to explore the city on your own or take an optional guided tour to visit Cu Chi tunnels and some high light of the city.
Sights to see include the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office, the War Remnants Museum, the History Museum, the Jade Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market, Chinatown, Thien Hau Pagoda, and Binh Tay Market.
Day 10: Saigon – Homeward.
Today is free until you have to travel to the airport for your homeward flight or onward journey.
Countryside Adventures
Tour Price Includes:
Accommodation 3* star in sharing room, Homestay in Vinh Long
Transportation for transfer and tour
Support van for, cool box, back up service
Cycling experienced guide
Full board meals (breakfasts, lunch, and dinner)
Boat ticket Siem Reap – Phnom Penh
Note: In case the boat is not running, we will arrange the transfer by van with some extra cycling
All entrance fees and temple passes.
Tour Price Excludes:
– International Flights
– Departure Tax $25 (international)
– Visa Fees $30 (issued on arrival) for Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, please check with us.
– Alcoholic, and other beverages
– Tips for guides & drivers.
– Personal travel insurance
– Any services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Optional Cu Chi Tunnels & City Tour.
Special Discount will be valided until May,30th,2025. Please contact our team for further information for this Offer.
Package cost per person in US Dollar:
Group size: 02: US $ 1850
Group size: 03 –05: US$ 1750
Group size: 06 -12: US$ 1650
Countryside Adventures Team.
TRIP PROFILE
Road conditions: Although we ride on a wide range of trails, many of which are off-road, this tour is suitable for anyone with moderate fitness. The roads are tarmac or broken tarmac and there are no technical mountain bike sections.
Total cycling distance for 10 days is around 370 km as a group, with experienced cycle guides setting an even pace and stop often to visit points of interest and sample some of the local food. Our support vehicle follows close behind with plenty of refreshments.
Bikes
The bikes you will be riding are well-known makes of hybrid or mountain bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, Disc-brakes, and Shimano components, and front suspension.
Bike Repairs
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee to have spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube, and a pump while riding is recommended.
Safety
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is nonnegotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
Guides
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture, and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Passports and Visas
All nationalities require a visa and a passport valid for 6 months for both Cambodia and Vietnam after their planned exit from Cambodia. A 30-day visa on arrival is available at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airports and at some land border crossings. You can also obtain a visa online through e-Visa. There is a 3-day processing time and you’ll need a scanned copy of the passport. Not all border crossings accept the e-Visa, please check this port of entry page which provides a list of which checkpoints support the e-Visa service. For a list of consulates/embassies abroad go to this page.
Health
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.
Weather
November in Cambodia is the start of the dry season; although the odd, short shower early in the month is not unusual. Comfortable temperatures (avg: 25 °C), low humidity, and plenty of sunshine make this a popular time to travel in Cambodia. December is characterized by dry, sunny weather, low humidity, and relatively cool temperatures (avg: 26 °C). In January Cambodia is well into its dry season. By August it is experiencing the rainy season, but this does not affect our cycling too much, as rain generally falls late afternoon or at night. The advantage of visiting Cambodia during the wet season is the vibrant spectacle of lush green rice fields and countryside.
The weather in Vietnam is split into two distinct weather patterns Tropical and temperate zone. The average temperature ranges from 22 to 27 degrees all year round but in the South, temperatures can stay almost the same. The Southern part of Vietnam has 2 distinct seasons. The cold season is from November to April and the hot season from May to October. Whilst in the North there are 4 seasons with a distinct difference between them. It can get cool in the winter but very warm in the summer.
Food
Most meals are included in your trip price apart from non-cycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.
A typical Cambodian meal would normally consist of a soup, salad, a fish dish, vegetables, and rice. Dessert is normally based on fresh fruits and sticky rice. Fish Amok is Cambodia’s National Dish. This popular dish uses a kind of catfish steamed in a savory coconut-based curry. The small fish known as Trey Dang Dau are very common and are often eaten deep-fried. While freshwater fish is the most commonly used meat in the Cambodian diet, pork and chicken are also popular. Probably the most popular soft drink in Cambodia is iced coffee, freshly brewed and mixed with sweetened condensed milk. Fresh coconut is also widely available, safe to drink straight from the fruit, and always refreshing in hot weather.
Rice is the staple food in Vietnam. Soup with rice noodles is a national dish. Recipes for main meals make use of vegetables, meat, and fish. Herbs and spices used in food preparation include basil, coriander, lemongrass, mint, and black pepper. Other ingredients are garlic, onions, ginger, and lime juice. There are numerous types of noodles eaten at all times of the day and noodle and rice-based snacks wrapped in rice paper or leaves are available. Desserts include a variety of cakes and fresh fruit (bananas, durians, guavas, jackfruit, mangoes, oranges, persimmons, and pineapples). Popular drinks are tea, coffee, and beer. The local spirit is rice wine.
Drink
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Coldwater, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.
Solo Travelers
Countryside Adventures does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
Accommodation
We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than a luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room. Should you wish to have a room to yourself, there is a single supplement option on the majority of our tours. For more information on the additional costs please see dates and prices.
The accommodation for this trip is in Hotels with some places having en-suite facilities and air conditioning.
Money
Thai baht and US dollars are widely used in Cambodia, especially in larger cities and towns. In smaller towns and villages, Cambodian riels are usually preferred. There are ATMs in most areas, however, machines dispense US dollars. The guides will be able to show you where the ATMs are. Spend riel before departing as no one will exchange them for you once you leave.
The currency in Vietnam is Dong. U.S dollar and Visa cards are widely using in the big cities, but not in Mekong Delta or in villages.
GENERAL BOOKING INFO
Booking
If this is the tour for you here’s what you need to do to confirm your place: Read our Booking Conditions.
Deposit
When booking your tour, you’ll be required to pay a deposit to guarantee your place. For tours less than 7 days, the deposit amount is 100% of the tour price, per rider. For tours 7 days or longer, the deposit amount is 30% of the tour price, per rider.
Balance
Day tours and tours shorter than 7 days require full payment at the time of booking. For tours 7 days or longer, full payment must be paid 45 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s), and extra hotel nights. Our confirmation will include personal details you provided us (including your flight information), visa application advice, a packing suggestion list, and a detailed tour itinerary. It will also include a checklist to ensure you get everything ready for your holiday.
Cancellation Policy
On the rare occasions when we, Countryside Adventures, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions. If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to when you cancel. For full details, please read our cancellation policy.
Countryside Adventures Team